Tarlton’s Sarah Mangapora Named St. Louis Building Commissioner
Date Posted: October 1, 2026
Posted In: News, Organizations, People,
by Tom Finan, Executive Director, Construction Forum
Sarah Mangapora, an experienced construction manager who spent a decade delivering projects for Tarlton Corporation, is the City of St. Louis’ next building commissioner.
A Missouri-registered architect and Tarlton’s current organizational development manager, Mangapora will begin her new role as Building Commissioner on October 19, a position vital to overseeing city construction and safety standards. The Department of Public Safety announced her appointment on October 1.
“Sarah brings the combination of technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to St. Louis that we need to lead the Building Division into its next chapter,” said Director of Public Safety Shawn Dace.
Experience Navigating Complex Projects
“The work of the Building Division touches neighborhoods and residents across our city every day. Her experience navigating complex construction projects, working across organizations, and solving problems will be an asset as we continue working to make City government more responsive and effective for St. Louis.”
Her appointment fills a permanent leadership position that has been open for approximately six months. Former Building Commissioner Ed Ware retired in April, and Tim Jeffries has served as interim commissioner during the search.
Mangapora brings construction experience to permitting and inspection. Her work at Tarlton has included healthcare facilities and historic renovations, requiring coordination among owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and code officials.
Keystone-Winning Hospital Project
Her project record includes serving on the Tarlton team that expanded the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The work earned a 2021 Construction Keystone Award from the Associated General Contractors of Missouri. Construction proceeded within an operating hospital, with adjacent patient rooms and staff areas remaining in use as crews navigated complex utilities and building systems.
She also served as senior project engineer on Tarlton’s $28 million conversion of the former Shriners Hospital for Children and Central Institute for the Deaf buildings into The Core Apartment Residences. That project transformed two historic Central West End properties into 160 apartments, combining preservation work with new building systems and residential uses.
In her current organizational development role, Mangapora leads efforts involving process improvement, technology adoption, workforce development, and companywide organizational initiatives. That combination of project delivery and operational experience aligns with the City’s stated goals of making the Building Division more accessible and efficient.
Mayor Cara Spencer praised Mangapora’s ability to translate plans for modernizing operations into action, citing her experience managing teams and carrying out complex initiatives. Public Safety Director Shawn Dace emphasized her technical knowledge, collaborative approach, and commitment to St. Louis.
Mangapora said her priorities include both protecting St. Louis’s architectural heritage and supporting new development.